Documentary Film Showcases James Hardie Asbestos Mine in Baryulgil

James Hardie Industries began mining white asbestos in the small Aboriginal Australian community of Baryulgil in 1953.  The mine offered full time jobs to residents of the area. 

Although the mine closed in 1979, the effects of decades of asbestos exposure, such as cancerous tumors and other ailments, are seen today on the people of Baryulgil.  It is estimated that 20 percent of residents have or will develop an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma.   

Due to a new documentary that premiered at the Sydney Film Festival in June, lawmakers are calling for a probe into the safety of the closed Australian mine.   

During the 25-year operation, over 350 Aboriginals were employed.  The chrysotile ore that workers milled each day created a thick haze of asbestos dust that coated everything, including the workers.  Measure to control the asbestos dust were not installed.  During mill operations, a thick cloud of white asbestos dust hovered above the town, making its way into the crude homes and school as well as contaminating water sources. 

James Hardie sold the Baryulgil asbestos mine to Woodsreef Mines Ltd. in 1976 as asbestos litigation in the US intensified.  Australian Broadcasting Company Journalist Matt Peacock in 1977 exposed the hazardous conditions of the mine.  The mine officially closed in 1979. 

In 1983 the government launched an inquiry into the working conditions at Baryulgil.  A second state inquiry was called in July by officials with the New South Wales Green Party.  Upper House MP Jan Barham will be visiting Baryulgil to investigate reports that areas previously cleaned after the mine closed remain safety hazards for residents. 

Read the full Asbestos.com post here. 

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